Fossil watches use standard watch batteries, most commonly SR626SW or SR927SW, depending on the model
The battery your Fossil watch needs depends on which Fossil model you own. Fossil makes hundreds of watch styles, and they do not all use the same battery. The most common batteries are the SR626SW (silver oxide, 1.55 volts) and the SR927SW (also silver oxide, 1.55 volts). Some older or larger Fossil models use SR920SW or SR921SW. A few digital or chronograph models use CR2032 (lithium, 3 volts), which is larger and lasts longer.
The easiest way to know which battery your watch takes is to check the back of the watch case. Most Fossil watches have the battery type printed or engraved on the caseback. If the engraving is worn away or hard to read, you can look up your watch model number on the Fossil website or contact Fossil customer service with a photo of your watch.
Key Takeaways
- Check the caseback of your Fossil watch first — the battery type is usually printed there.
- SR626SW and SR927SW are the two most common batteries in Fossil watches, both silver oxide with 1.55 volts.
- Larger watches or chronographs may use CR2032 lithium batteries instead, which are thicker and last longer.
- If you cannot read the caseback, look up your watch model number on Fossil's website or call their customer service.
- Buy the exact battery type your watch takes — using the wrong size or voltage can damage the watch movement.
How to read the battery code on your watch
Watch battery codes follow a standard format that tells you the size, chemistry, and voltage. The first letters tell you the chemistry: SR means silver oxide (most common in Fossil watches), and CR means lithium. The numbers that follow are the diameter and height in millimeters — so SR626SW is 6.8 millimeters in diameter and 2.6 millimeters thick. The letters at the end (usually SW) are the manufacturer's code and do not affect how the battery works.
When you buy a replacement, you can buy a battery labeled SR626SW or just "626" — both refer to the same battery. Some sellers list them as "1.55V silver oxide" or "watch battery 626". All of these names point to the same part. Do not buy a battery that says "equivalent" or "compatible" unless you are certain it is the exact same size — watch movements have tight tolerances, and a battery that is even 0.1 millimeters too thick can jam the caseback.
Where to buy the right battery
You can buy Fossil watch batteries at drugstores (CVS, Walgreens), jewelry stores, watch repair shops, and online retailers like Amazon. Drugstores usually stock the most common sizes — SR626SW and SR927SW — for $3 to $8 per battery. Jewelry stores and watch repair shops often charge more but can usually identify your battery type on the spot if you bring the watch in.
Online retailers offer lower prices if you buy in bulk, but you will wait for shipping. If your watch stops working and you need a battery today, a drugstore or local jewelry store is faster. Fossil's official website does not sell batteries directly, but their customer service can tell you which battery to buy and where to find it.
How to replace the battery yourself
Replacing a Fossil watch battery is straightforward if your watch has a screw-back caseback. You will need a small flathead screwdriver (usually 1 to 1.5 millimeters wide), a plastic battery removal tool or tweezers, and the correct replacement battery. Lay a clean cloth on your work surface to catch small parts.
Unscrew the caseback by turning it counterclockwise. Keep the screws in a small container so you do not lose them. Gently lift out the old battery with the plastic tool or tweezers — do not touch the battery with your bare fingers, as skin oils can corrode the contacts. Drop the new battery in with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up. Screw the caseback back on, turning clockwise until it is snug but not forced. Do not overtighten, or you may crack the caseback.
If your Fossil watch has a snap-back caseback (no screws), you will need a caseback removal tool, which costs $10 to $20. These tools have a notch that fits into the groove on the caseback. Gently pry the caseback off by turning the tool. The rest of the process is the same. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, a jewelry store or watch repair shop will replace the battery for $5 to $15 in labor.
Common mistakes that damage your watch
The most common mistake is buying the wrong battery size. An SR927SW is thicker than an SR626SW, and forcing it into a watch designed for the smaller battery can bend the caseback or damage the movement. Always check the caseback before you buy. Another mistake is touching the battery with bare hands — skin oils leave a residue that corrodes the metal contacts and shortens battery life. Use tweezers or a plastic tool instead.
Overtightening the caseback is another problem. You only need to turn it until it stops — if you force it, you can crack the caseback or strip the threads. If the caseback does not close smoothly, the battery is probably the wrong size. Do not force it; take the watch to a repair shop instead. Finally, do not leave a dead battery in your watch for months. Dead batteries can leak and corrode the movement, making the watch unrepairable.
Battery life and when to replace it
A silver oxide battery (SR626SW or SR927SW) typically lasts two to three years in a standard Fossil watch. A lithium battery (CR2032) lasts three to five years because it holds more charge. Battery life depends on how often you wear the watch and whether it has a second hand that ticks continuously — a watch with a sweeping second hand uses more power than one with a stepping second hand.
When your Fossil watch stops, the battery is almost always the culprit. If replacing the battery does not restart the watch, the movement may be damaged, and you should take it to a watch repair shop. Some Fossil watches are water-resistant, and if water got inside, the movement could be corroded even if the battery is new. A repair shop can open the watch safely and assess the damage.
Fossil battery types by watch category
| Watch Type | Most Common Battery | Alternative Batteries |
|---|---|---|
| Standard analog (three hands) | SR626SW | SR927SW (if larger case) |
| Chronograph or multi-function | SR927SW | CR2032 (digital models) |
| Digital or smartwatch-style | CR2032 | SR920SW (older models) |
| Dress watch (thin case) | SR626SW | SR920SW |
| Vintage or older Fossil | SR920SW or SR921SW | Check caseback |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a CR2032 battery in a watch that takes SR626SW?
No. A CR2032 is 3 volts and much thicker (3.2 millimeters) than an SR626SW (1.55 volts, 2.6 millimeters). Using the wrong battery can damage the movement or prevent the caseback from closing. Always use the exact battery type your watch is designed for.
How do I know if my Fossil watch battery is dead or if the watch is broken?
A dead battery is the most common reason a Fossil watch stops. Replace the battery first — it costs $3 to $8 and takes five minutes. If the watch still does not work after you install a new battery, the movement may be damaged and you should take it to a watch repair shop for diagnosis.
Where is the model number on my Fossil watch?
The model number is usually on the caseback, engraved or printed along with the battery type. It may also be on the original box or paperwork. If you cannot find it, take a clear photo of the caseback and email it to Fossil customer service — they can identify your model and tell you the correct battery.
Can I buy a generic watch battery instead of a name brand?
Yes. A generic SR626SW battery works the same as a branded one — the code is the standard, not a trademark. Buy from a reputable seller (drugstore, jewelry store, or established online retailer) to avoid counterfeit batteries. Avoid extremely cheap batteries from unknown sellers, as they may be old stock or defective.
What should I do if I accidentally put the wrong battery in my watch?
Remove it when ready. If the caseback closed, open it again and take out the wrong battery. Check the caseback for the correct battery type and install the right one. If the watch still does not work, or if you bent something while forcing the wrong battery in, take it to a watch repair shop.